A man who faced a series of theft charges has walked away from court a free man after they were all dismissed.

Anthony Costello appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court for trial after he previously pleaded not guilty to one charge of attempted burglary, nine thefts from motor vehicles, and two attempted thefts.

The offences were said to have been carried out in Coulby Newham and Ingleby Barwick between August 21 and September 5.

However, all 12 charges against the 34-year-old, of Chingford Avenue, Thorntree, Middlesbrough, were dismissed when he appeared before the court.